Who Will Win It? Handicapping by Steve Wolf

I went five for eight last week, which should be really good but when only chalk comes in you barely break even. I actually lost $0.70 cents (based on $2 win bet each race). We are still in the minus earning column at -$24.10 going into this weekend and we will try once again to bring that number down more.

We have a giant of a card with some super stars at Hoosier Park on Friday and then Saturday it is the third jewel of the Pacing Triple Crown, the Messenger Stakes Final at Yonkers Raceway and the Lady Maud Final.

$157,100 The Elevation Pace 3YO Colts

2nd race FRIDAY, Hoosier Park – Short field of only six starters but jammed pack with talent. I am taking a shot with Kingofthejungle who has won two of his last three starts. Last week he scored a lifetime best 1:52.3 mile with a great closing effort but also can grind it out if need be.

$50,000 Carl Erskine Consolation Trot 3YO Colts

6th race FRIDAY, Hoosier Park – Deadliest Catch may be the favorite in here even having to start from the second tier but I really like the Frank Antonacci entry headed by Master Of Law and Lindy’s Tru Grit plus Crazed N Lindy is also a possible contender. Provided they mind their manners and stay on gait they should be able to dictate the fractions, throw up some tag team efforts on the field and win in here.

$285,500 The Carl Erskine Trot 3YO Colts

9th race FRIDAY, Hoosier Park – Spider Blue Chip is now the top dog among the trotting colts with Royalty For Life on the sidelines. But Creatine is also very good and with both these top colts drawing good inside posts I think Creatine can turn the tables on Spider Blue Chip and return to his winning ways.

$223,500 Hoosier Park Pacing Derby Free-For-All

10th race FRIDAY, Hoosier Park – After being photo’d out last start in the Breeders Crown thriller final, Pet Rock is overdue to get back on the winning track. Yes, this is another classic race with a great field and Foiled Again has been so damn tough but I think having a good inside post will help Pet Rock just enough to make him a winner.

$250,000 The Monument Circle Pace 3YO Colts

11th race FRIDAY, Hoosier Park – The “Captain” is back and off a week’s rest from his amazing Breeders Crown victory, he should be itching and ready for a big effort. He is facing what would be deemed a “softer” field then he has been racing against but all I know is that Captaintreacherous has been awesome and should once again be in the winner’s circle.

$178,684 Lady Maud Stakes Final 3YO Filly Pace

6th race SATURDAY, Yonkers Raceway – Hate to admit it but this really looks like a two-horse race and two very good horses to boot! Scandalous Hanover has 11 wins this year and last week was an easy winner in her elimination division. But Charisma Hanover was even more impressive with her track record 1:51.4 romp. She has the better of post position and should make the most of that in what should be a very good race.

$450,000 Messenger Stakes 3YO Pace

8th race SATURDAY, Yonkers Raceway – The handicapping gods made a real race of this group with both return winners, Lucan Hanover (8) and Sunfire Blue Chip (7) drawing the far outside posts. But I still think despite bad post positions they will be in the hunt. I am going with Sunfire Blue Chip as he was parked first-over for his life last week and still came on to win in a tight photo. He has the gate speed to either get to the front or find good position or even get parked out once again and still win.